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Frugal Friday’s TPS Report: Cassidy Bootcut Pant

Our daily TPS reports suggest one piece of work-appropriate attire in a range of prices.

Cassidy Bootcut PantsCobalt is back, and it isn't just among the big designers like McQueen — both Limited and Express have cobalt trousers this season. (Express's are a bit more subdued if these seem a bit… bright.) Limited also has them as “ankle trousers,” and they also come in a bright green. (There is also a matching blazer.)  The pant was $79.95, but is marked to $47.97 today — it's available in regular, petite, and tall sizes. Cassidy Bootcut Pants

The Express pants go up to size 18, but here's another pair that goes up to size 22. Seen a great piece you’d like to recommend? Please e-mail tps@corporette.com. (L-all)

Sales of note for 12.2.24 (Happy Cyber Monday!! See our full sale listing here!)

And some of our latest threadjacks here at Corporette (reader questions and commentary) — see more here!

Some of our latest threadjacks include:

222 Comments

  1. Whelp. Talbots already emailed me to say the dress I ordered yesterday is actually out of stock. Bad for my closet, good for my pocketbook.

    1. Good! Put the dress $$ towards your CC debt – the personal finance gods are smiling at you :)

      1. I don’t know that they’ll be smiling when I have to buy a more expensive dress later, but I’ll take it for now.

          1. Ugh. I wish there was a way to block every Anonymous comment on this site.
            Edited to add: I’m not talking about the folks below asking about khaki and cobalt — just the rude Anonymouses.

          2. Hey! Some of us are kind to others and contribute to discussions quite a bit! But yes, I understand the frustration.

          3. Maybe not worded the nicest, but her point is accurate. Mr money mustache’s “your debt is an emergency” post did wonders for my outlook on my loans.

          4. Omg how is this rude? You post about wanting to pay off debt, then shopping, then having to buy something even more expensive. No you don’t freaking have to buy a darn dress, that’s how debt happens.

            Oh wait. Though. Dresses are totes investments right?

            Wild kitten I really wasn’t trying to destroy you or anything because you seem like a grownup capable of dealing with the internets but honestly Moonstone give it a rest with the “be more sugar and spice” crap.

          5. Yeah we all have to wear clothes to work, but can you honestly tell me your closet is bare? Re wear stuff more frequently. Go to goodwill if you must. You don’t have to buy an expensive dress.

          6. Ugh, I cannot stand the way that MMM “Your debt is an emergency” post is thrown around. No, it’s not. Your hair is actually not on fire. You are not going to die. It’s a personal financial situation that individuals need to figure out how to deal with in a way that balances their own competing priorities, needs, and circumstances. That may mean throwing everything you have at it for as long as it takes; it may not. But it is, objectively, not an “emergency” and telling random strangers on the Internet that it is doesn’t convert it into one.

          7. She has a point. Yeah, you need clothes, but not expensive clothes and I bet you can just keep wearing whatever you have right now. You’re not going to work naked or wearing the same outfit every day, right?

          8. I really don’t think that was mean it at all- it is true and I think good advice/mantra. One of the principles I liked in the magic of tidying was that youll be surprised at what you dont need.

          10. Bonnie – Just yesterday Wildkitten said her financial goal in 2015 was to pay off credit card debt. It was not an assumption.

          11. Wildkitten has mention recently that she was in debt (I am in the same boat) People werent assuming.

          12. Yeah, Bonnie, I’ve said that here. I think it’s important when everyone else says that their financial goals are to max out their 401(ks) for people to know that that isn’t everyone on this site. But I see why only those people talk about money here, if this is the reaction. Em’s comment was spot on.

          13. Got it. Guess I need to read more. ;-) I still find the comment to be unnecessaryily judgy.

          14. I find it appalling that someone in Big Law could have credit card debt. I understand that there are people in this country who struggle to pay their bills each month and put things on credit cards so they can feed and shelter their families. But if you are making $160,000 plus and going into credit card debt because you like buying clothing, you just need to get your stuff together, period.

          1. I was utilizing self-deprecating humor as a defense mechanism. I do not like that by putting my main financial goal forward, strangers on the internet think they should tell me what is an emergency in the rest of my budget. I will pay off my credit cards and still occasionally replace worn out clothes (I wear my clothes to the ground). Talbots had a wicked sale yesterday and for “lucky sizes” there were some really good deals.

    2. Talbots canceled my order yesterday, too. I’m disappointed. And yes, Anon, I can afford it, so eff off.

  2. I know that Pippa and her sister are fashion icons of a certain type. But I think that their mother is spot on (and for 60!). Link to follow. Any thought as to where Mrs. Middleton shops (stores / brands)? I am very, very intrigued.

    Signed,
    Turning 45 this year and needing role models

    1. I am not in the UK anymore, but I think that Jigsaw and LKBennett and Hobbs have great clothes for women of a certain age, but with style. Those are fabulous places to start if you’re looking to spruce up your wardrobe in a fresh but classic way.

    2. I’ve heard their family is almost richer than the Windsors, so be prepared! Duchess is known for being frugal – wearing dresses twice! Hope all the Anon debt-erasers are SO PROUD of her and hold her up as a role model! /sarcastic – but I’ve never seen the same said about the Mom’s wardrobe, although she’s quite the business woman.

      1. Wealth (and corresponding clothing labels) aside, I think Carole re-wears with some frequency, too. Most photos folks are familiar with will be from the day before/day of the wedding, pictures outside the hospital, the christening portraits, etc., and those occasions mostly call for special outfits that you wouldn’t necessarily re-wear as much (we haven’t seen Catherine re-wear her christening outfit, for example, either). There have also been one or two occasions where Catherine/Pippa and Carole have shared items — a bright blue collared dress with black details comes to mind.

        I second LK Bennett and Hobbs, plus Reiss, Catherine Walker, DvF.

        1. It was a comment on the insanity of – you should never buy anything if you have any clothes in your closet. You always have a mortgage you could pay down instead. See above.

    1. Thanks for posting — that’s a great article. I didn’t know much about her but I am very impressed. She looks fabulous, she’s raised a great family, she’s obviously very hard-working. Rock on, Carole Middleton.

  4. Just throwing this out there for the hive – does anyone else not “get” Hunter rain boots? They are not that attractive, and I truly cannot stand the logo right on front of the boot. When I see someone wearing them it makes think all they care about is having a logo. :-/ Sorry if this becomes a major issue but I’m hoping I’m not alone in feeling this way.

    Edit: Sorry, didn’t mean to make this a reply, meant to make it a separate comment.

    1. I think they look good if you’re Kate Moss at some sort of horse-y event with a cute above-the-knee dress. High schoolers may be able to pull this off.

      I think that they’re the new Juicy Couture track suit.

    2. I also do not get them. It’s not that I think they’re particularly unattractive; they just look like normal rain boots to me. I’ve had rain boots that cost much less that did a great job keeping my feet dry, and lasted for years (and had a fun pattern!). But then, I’ve never tried on a pair of Hunters, or even examined them up close, so maybe there’s something amazing about them that I’m missing. I do dislike the logo right on the front, though.

    3. I didn’t know what these were until I looked them up now. I think they’re ugly; I think all rain boots are ugly, and these are definitely not on the “lesser ugly” end of the spectrum. So I don’t get it either.

      1. They are on the “more durable” side of the spectrum in my experience. After I had non-branded boots get cracks that let water in when I walked through puddles, I was ready to shell out extra for the reliability of the brand.

        1. Yeah, my target rainboots got a crack in them. Been thinking about getting nicer ones. Non hunter suggestions would be appreciated!

          3. LL Bean! I’ve had mine for 10 years and they are still going strong after LOTS of wear each year (northwest climate). And their lifetime guarantee means that if they crack, they will replace them without question.

    4. I’m with you – I hate buying anything that has such a prominent logo. It makes me feel like I’m paying to improve their brand recognition. I also don’t find Hunter boots especially comfortable compared with other rainboots and the price is ridiculous.

    5. Hunters are actually functional – especially when you live in a really wet climate. I think in certain cities where it’s drier, maybe you’re right but in the PNW, you need something like hunters. So no it’s not just the “logo”.

      1. Agreed-Hunters also have a real sole and arch support, so they’re really functional in a wet climate, where you need to be able to wear them for long stretches.

      2. Yep, this is why I love them, they’re extremely functional. I tried lots of other brands of rainboots- they either cracked, or had no sole so they were uncomfortable, but Hunters are amazing and worth it.

        1. Yes, I’m on my fourth pair of boots, which I wear on the weekend in Seattle to walk my dogs and daily in my yard to feed the horses and chickens. I’ve returned one pair to Costco and two to Nordys when they each cracked within a month. (Before this, I’d had a pair from Sperry, which lasted 3 years and before that JCrew of all places, but my two most recent Sperry pairs cracked quickly.) When these crack, I’m buying a pair of Hunters, even though I hate labels and have a “no label” policy for purses, coats, shoes etcc.

    6. You are not alone. I have a pair of Columbia rain boots I got in the boys’ section at a farm supply store that have served me just fine. I think when they go bad I’ll replace them with a pair of Xtratufs or Muck boots. Rain boots are for keeping my feet dry when it’s raining until I get inside, not wearing all over the place!

      1. Perhaps some people actually spend significant amounts of time walking outdoors in the rain, or going in and out, so it is practical for them to get ones that are actually comfortable for walking (particularly people in cities who may take public transportation or walk to get places)

      2. Columbia has some great looking rain boots that I will definitely think about for my next purchase.

    7. I don’t really have an opinion on rain boots. But I want to say generally: it’s not a problem if someone is drawn to a logo and wants to wear something for that reason.

      1. Well, it might not be a problem, but I think it’s fair to ask if the boots are really “all that” or if it’s just about the logo.

    8. The only thing more insufferable than thinking you are special because you are wearing a logo is thinking you are special because you are not wearing a logo.

    9. I didn’t realize they were a thing until I moved to New England and they were everywhere. I found having rainboots in that climate really useful, so I understand the appeal, but I went with the less expensive (and life-time warranty-ed) LL Bean version.

    10. To me, the label on Hunter Boots is more similar to the label on Nike running shoes, or the Sorel lable on the tongue of my Joan of the Artic boots. Sure, it’s a label, but I don’t think of it in the same way as the Coach shoes with the repeating “Cs” all over them or something. Even the LL Bean duck boots and Sperrys mentioned have the brand name on them on the tongue or heel.

    11. Hunters are the classic rain boot. They’re a nice quality boot that you can wear on rainy days or in the snow with liners. They’ve been around for years and will continue to be around for years. They’re popular but they’re not really a trendy item like a peplum or a bubble necklace.

    12. I didn’t get them either, but I finally admitted that I needed some sort of rain boot. (I had talked myself out of them for years, thinking they were “twee” or silly). My analysis was this: I only need rain boots a couple of times a year. When I need them and don’t have them, I always wish I did. But, because I would wear them infrequently I wanted something that wouldn’t look dated in a few years. Additionally, because when I need them its because I am doing a lot of walking (a quick trip to the store or from my car to my office on a rainy day doesn’t warrant boots in my book), they also needed to be comfortable and functional.

      I did some research (i.e. read reviews on Zappos) because I did not want to spend the $ on Hunters. Reviews of other boots I read about revealed that the quality was not great on a lot of those boots and the were not comfortable. The Hunter reviews were raves by far and away. So I went with those.

      I really like them. They’re super cute on (I got the short ones in Navy). I’m now a sheep.

    13. I just got a pair of Hunter rain boots and boot liners this winter. The reason? I have big calves (and getting bigger, it seems), and my old rain boots simply didn’t fit with pants anymore. And forget about getting the boot liners for my old boots so they could be winter boots…no way my bare leg would get inside. Hunter offers several wide calf options. I couldn’t find wide calf rain boots anywhere else. And these are serious quality boots that I can now wear as both rain and snow boots for the next decade (at least).

      And no, they’re not pretty and they don’t make my legs look great. I don’t really care about that. I wanted boots that would fit and keep out the cold and the wet.

      Honestly, the logo isn’t all that big or noticeable unless you’re looking for it.

    14. Hunters are the most comfortable rain boots I’ve ever had. I don’t think anyone buys them for the label.

    15. I get what people are saying about them being functional. But I’m with you in not understanding them when worn at the office. All day long. As part of their outfit. And it isn’t raining out. There are some people who do it at my office and I think it is just weird. But maybe that’s just cause I’m getting old and no longer “get it.”

    1. I wear a contrasting color/pattern button-down under a cashmere shell, but I work in a business-casual environment.

    2. Navy & camel is a classic combo. I also like it with brighter pinks & kelly green. I’m personally not a big fan of that color near my face–it tends to wash me out, I’d prefer a little darker/more saturated like a true camel/tobacco color. It is beautiful, and a great deal!

  6. I’m starting to job hunt and am beginning to worry my title might be hurting me. My title is something that senior people and junior people have (think widget production analyst). The responsibilities I’ve listed are more senior and my previous job history indicates I’m not a newbie, but I’m still a little concerned. My position is scaled (like the govt) and I’m at the top tier; should I indicate that in some way? Any other tips to show I’m not an inexperienced applicant?

    2. If the issue is your job uses titles that are different from the mainstream you could provide the equivalent on your resume.

      For example, I was a “community worker” in one state that was called a “tracker” in the other state. When applying to jobs in other state I wrote Tracker (known as Community Worker in State) or Community Worker (State’s version of Tracker).

      If it is true, you could put something like Analyst (equivalent to Senior Production Manager) . . . .

      1. Put Senior Widget Analyst on your linkedin profile and/or resumee. Or Managing Widget Analyst. Or Widget Analyst Manager.

        I think AskAManager has had a bunch of information about titles. Basically, although you can’t and shouldn’t change your title at your job without your supervisor being OK with it, when you’re job-searching you can be any title that you want to be as long as you can back it up.

        Put “Manager” only if you managed things and/or people, but “Senior” can be backed up by chronology and/or experience.

        1. Don’t do this. Your job title is whatever your title is. You can’t just make up one that you like more. You can, however, provide a description of what you do in such a manner that conveys your expenerience. The idea of identifying the number of years is a good one.

    3. Can you spell it out in your cover letter as well – “with 10 years experience as a Widget Analyst” or “8 years in the Widget industry” to point it out?

    4. Any input on this for the law firm-to-in-house switch? I’m at a firm that has a longer partnership track than most in my region, so I’ve now practiced for close to 10 years but am still an associate — but in very good standing and “on-track” (albeit a little frustrated when those who have been practicing for a short period at other firms make partner). A headhunter told me that those hiring in-house “should know” that my firm’s track is longer than others, but I do worry…

      1. I’m been practicing for longer than that but I’m still an associate as well. However, I think for going in-house, an associate title is going to be more attractive – I think people are going to be wary about a partner who wants to be in-house in a non-GC role – it looks like you’re going to be too expensive for the company or that you didn’t really want to be in-house but you are getting pushed out.

  7. I just want to shout from the rooftops: we were in a pretty poor financial situation this time last year, and we took a long look at our finances (which were running us, rather than us running them), and I didn’t realize I had set up our credit card to auto-deduct when we did the overhaul last year.

    I’m proud to say that we’re one payment away from being CC-debt free!!! Then we’re snowballing that money into just 3 payments to get rid of all of our medical debt. We still have student loans, and a mortgage, but that is the extent of our debt now. I can’t tell you what a relief this feels like.

    4. That’s fantastic! I’ve been there, and it’s an amazing feeling to make that final payment! Congratulations!

  8. I’d like to frame my diplomas/bar admission certificates and hang them in my office, but am not a fan of spending hundreds of dollars on doing so. How have you all approached your diplomas? Are there nice looking frames out there that are not crazy expensive?

    1. Do you feel funny asking for it as a gift? My aunt & uncle did that for me upon graduation. Otherwise, I’d say check out your local frame shops rather than the craft chains (like Michaels/etc), as the locals will almost always be cheaper (why do you think Michaels always posts 40% off framing??) and will probably get you a more custom/professional look & feel.

      Otherwise, if you’re handy, you can certainly do it yourself. You can even get fancy and double-matte it in your school’s colors.

      1. Agree with the gift thought, but disagree with the local frame shops. I would love to support them, but in my (capital city, southern state) area, the framer with the best reputation previously worked at a high end art gallery but has been at Hobby Lobby for many years now. There is always a 40% coupon available, which many people don’t realize is applicable for framing. It’s a steal and a half, and she does a fabulous job. So I’d ask around and see if there’s a particularly well-known framer, regardless of where they work — apparently it’s fairly common for them to end up at chain stores. Our fabulous lady was recommended through the local art community.

    2. Try a thrift shop. Sometimes you can find great frames there for fairly cheap. Then you just have to mat the diploma.

    3. I got some good looking frames for my undergrad and law school diplomas at Bed Bath and Beyond (with a coupon, even!). They have a wide mat, a “fillet,” and look nice hanging together, although the look is more modern than the style in which many people frame their diplomas. I’ve got some certificates framed in “floating” frames–the certificate is pressed between two pieces of glass, with a 3 inch border on all sides, and a wooden frame. I did shell out around $200 to have my law license framed, however, and I do not regret it.

    4. I bought the $30-ish frames from JoAnn’s, in matching finishes. But my admissions and dipolma dimensions worked well with standard frame sizes. If yours don’t, go up to the next size frame and have a mat cut – that’s usually cheaper than having a custom frame job.

    5. Hobby Lobby actually does an excellent job with framing, in my experience. You can always use a 40% off coupon, so it comes out reasonable. If you have one near you, it’s worth a shot!

        2. I don’t always look at things as supporting a company, but making the best decision for myself. Probably not the most popular opinion, but to each their own!

          1. The best decision for myself is not supporting Hobby Lobby no matter how great their framing services might be.

          2. Good for you. I hope you also don’t shop at any other places where you disagree with the CEOs/owner’s politics. I’m glad you have the time and desire to research all of the companies you patronize, and decide where you want to put your money.

            As I said: to each their own.

          3. Leigh makes a good point. If you dig, you can find dubious paper trails to basically every company. The Koch brothers own basically everything, so really by doing anything other than living off the grid, you’re supporting them and ironically, I wouldn’t be shocked if they had a part in funding Hobby Lobby’s lawsuit.

            That said I don’t shop at Hobby Lobby either. :)

        4. I won’t shop there for anything else, but the framing is an absolute steal with the 40% off coupon. Even the (extremely well-regarded, former art gallery framer) woman we use at Hobby Lobby says she’s sure they lose money on it.

    6. I had mine framed at Michael’s with one of their million percent off coupons. I had undergrad, law, state, and federal bar admissions framed for about $200 if I remember correctly, and I went crazy with colored matting to spice up my government-beige walls.

    7. I got frames at Target, black with white matting, if I am remembering right, they were about $15 each.

    8. Does your university sell university specific frames in their bookstore? That’s how we have all purchased them in my family. More reasonable that custom framing and looks great.

    9. I bought frames at costco, and then had custom mattes made at Jo-ann (cream, with a narrow interior border matching the color header of my diplomas). I

      1. If you are in DC without a car, Plaza Art has made me some nice mattes for this purpose. They also have good frame sales (relative to downtown).

  9. Ugh, I really hate cobalt- it looks garish on me, is generally unflattering, and I don’t like it.

    What is everyone wearing for casual Friday? I’m wearing boring jeans and a sweater, sometimes I feel like I should spice it up.

    1. I also hate this color, and I would disagree that it’s just back. It’s been around for a while now and I think is actually on it’s way out (sooner than later, I hope!).

      I’m wearing a shirtdress because I finally found one that doesn’t gape in the wrong places. It makes me happy.

        1. Brooks Brothers outlet. I was as surprised as anyone – tried it on thinking it would look awful or not button properly (I’m a 32F) but it fit perfectly! I put a camisole on under just to be safe but so far so good.

    2. I HATE cobalt, too. I think it’s unflattering on most people and generally looks dated.

      Stop trying to make cobalt happen.

    3. I’m wearing black jeans, a cream plaid peplum top and a black sweater belted on that. Also a pair of heels that I haven’t worn in a while and feel WAY higher than they used to… (But I happen to love cobalt!)

    4. I’m wearing skinny jeans tucked into riding boots, a navy blue military-type jacket with frog closures and gold buttons, and a white shell with a bow at the neck. I kind of feel like George Washington, but whatever. I’m working it.

      1. This sounds super cute!

        I’m wearing a magenta and camel rugby-striped sweater dress, a denim blazer, camel flats, and gold accessories.

      2. I am jealous of this outfit and now want to get frog closures put on my military-style navy blazer (which I also wear with a shirt that has a tie at the neck).

        I am wearing a black and tan striped tank dress, with a tan cardigan and black tights. I have my snow boots on currently because they are warm, but I brought my white-based leopard print flats in case I ever warm up.

      3. This made my day. I loved the idea that someone is wearing this outfit. So fun (and you had me at frog closures!).

    5. I think cobalt is flattering on many people! It is super flattering on me. It’s like a jewel tone, I think – a safe bet for most people. Though I guess maybe it could maybe be a little much if you are pale and also have very light hair/eyes.

      1. Agreed. Cobalt is super flattering on me and I get a ton of compliments every time I wear it.

      3. Another vote for cobalt! I feel really confident in it. (Maybe not for pants, but definitely for dresses and blouses.)

    7. Black & khaki tweed slacks, black tee, green suede blazer, blue-green opal earrings, and black combat boots.

      I have been putting off dealing with serious foot issues that are going to require surgery (20 years of plantar fascitis) that have left me with only a single pair of shoes I can wear without extreme pain. I don’t love wearing combat boot to work, but it is that or I can’t walk for 2 days afterwards.

      I’m a fan of cobalt for jackets or accent pieces, but I don’t love it for pants. Maybe it is because I’m a size 14/16, but I went “My butt would look like a highway information sign in those.” I wish they had them in gray or black, or even navy.

    8. I’m actually wearing cobalt skinnies. The color (which is possibly more royal blue) goes great with my coloring, and the fit is flattering. The pants on this post are hideous, but that’s more the cut than anything. Bright pants + bootcut = 60/70s. The shade is also a wee bit too electric.

          1. Good thinking on your part.

            Fun fact: I have not one but two crowns displayed in my new house. One of them is on the mantle next to a poison apple.

    10. SeaHawk t-shirt, open front blue cardigan, jeans and boots for our SeaHawk potluck today. Go Hawks!

      1. Go Seahawks!!! Jealous of your Seahawk-themed potluck. I need to get a shirt to wear in my non-Seahawk city.

    11. Can I ask what your coloring is? I recently had seasonal color analysis done, and now I understand why I get complements when I wear this color, whereas previously I wore more earth tones.

    12. I am a cobalt lover but these pants are making me twitch, and not in a good way.

      We don’t really do casual Friday at my workplace but I have declared my own personal casualish Friday because it’s raining: Gray flannel microcheck ankle pants, ivory/black/gray/light blue striped sweater, black ponte knit moto jacket, fun black booties with a cutout on top to show a little of the dreaded toe cleavage.

    13. Booklet jeans, black with white polka dots the and a lulu hoodie. And marled black Go Walks. Casual workplace = comfy clothes!

      1. flats, jeans, gray sleeveless turtleneck sweater with Ann Taylor blue/black/gray tweed jacket that I got on super sale.

  10. For those of you with more than one child, when did you start to show for pregnancy no 2?

    I’m 12 wks on no2, and while I’m rounder of belly at this point, I think my already softer belly makes it less obvious than the first time. I still fit into my pants, but my skirts aren’t comfortable any more.

    1. I was able to still seemingly surprise people around 18-20 weeks.
      Now I’m 25 weeks and can’t hide it at all.

      Also — good things — I felt a lot more movement a lot earlier – around 14-15 weeks, even. I just knew what to feel. My ob-gyne agreed. Of course it wasn’t THAT often or every day even.

    2. I shifted into maternity clothes at 17 weeks with my second. I was on vacation that week, and when I came back, people were surprised when I showed up in mat clothes. I could probably have gotten away with non-maternity clothes for another week.

      With my first I started wearing maternity clothes/suits at 26 or 27 weeks. Mostly because I wanted to.

      TL:DR, at 8-10 weeks before I started showing with my first.

    3. I was in maternity pants at 14 weeks with #2. FWIW, when I gain (non-pregnancy) weight, I gain it in my stomach/midsection first, so that wasn’t doing me any favors.

      I’m now pregnant with #3 and wore maternity jeans at 7 weeks (though they fell down all day — not cool!). It doesn’t get any better as you progress…

    4. hahahaha! I showed at 11 weeks with #1 and probably like 8 weeks with #2 and #3. I had a lot of sp*nx for those last 2!

    5. I switched to maternity pants around 19 weeks with #1, and at around 14 weeks with #2. I definitely showed noticeably earlier with #2. With #1, I hadn’t told anyone at 18 weeks and no one had noticed. With #2, I was pretty obvious by 18 weeks — and I weigh the same amount!

    6. My pants were too tight by week 11 on the second pregnancy, but I don’t think anyone really noticed it except for me.

  11. I’m way casual and boring too, but like you, I said, “it’s Friday, and I have nothing going”

    I’m wearing dark bootcut jeans, and a gray tiny-wale corduroy button-up shirt & my Ariat jod boots (that don’t often see horses…)

  12. Looking to go on a weekend trip to Savannah, GA in March and looking for recommendations for a nice but not too pricey hotel that is centrally located.
    Also, does one need a car to get around? Is late March a good time to go? I’m trying to surprise H with a trip to the city for his birthday. We’d be flying in.

    1. You’ll probably be looking for rooms in the historic district (downtown). Pick your weekends carefully in March. St. Patricks is huge in the SAV and hotels are hard to get and pricey. Also, there is a half- marathon on the 28th that may affect some pricing downtown. Weather wise, march is usually ok. The azaleas start blooming in early March and are really stunning because there are so many all over the city. It’s quite walkable and there are taxis/pedi-cabs/ on-off trolleys. A cab from the airport to downtown is about $30.
      Priceline or Hotwire probably will get you rooms in Hilton/Hyatt/Marriott, all downtown. The Brice is supposed to be nice as well as the Bohemian. There are quite a few of the mid-market chains like Hampton Inn as well.

    2. I’ve stayed in the Marshall House and enjoyed it – central and not expensive. They have other, smaller (and somewhat cuter) B&B’s that are a bit more pricey.

    3. Yay! Fruegel Friday’s! I love Fruegel Friday’s and Cobalt! But slack’s are VERBOTEN at the office, even if it means freezeing my tuchus off walking into the office, like I do EVERYDAY, thank’s to dad monitoring my FITBIT steps from his computer on LI. Once I get rid of my tuchus, I am goeing to take a cab or the subway. I realy do NOT like walkeing and stepping into slusch and poopie on Lex. Beside’s I saw Gonzalo again with a DIFERENT woman comeing out of another place on Lex and 63rd. I bet he is weareing that winkie out with these women. He saw me and did NOT even say anything! FOOEY on him!

      As for the OP, my friend held her wedding in Savanah a few year’s ago, and we stayed downtown. I did NOT have a car, but did NOT have trouble getting around. I can NOT remember the name of the hotel, but it was right on a river, and we had to take a little boat to get into downtown, where there was a lot of seafood and honky-tonk like places. I DO recommend the PINK HOUSE as a place to eat. They have a HUGE fireplace downstair’s that is VERY nice. There was also a pirate house where I had a nice steak which I also recommend. I do NOT remember it’s name, but it is NEARBY, and you can walk.

      There is a little tour bus that goes all around town that you can get onand off all day. I was there as a wedding guest, and the guy’s down there were very freindley to me. Dad said I should have grabbed one and brought him back b/c I would already be MARRIED and he would NOT have to do my tax return’s again for me.

      He keep’s asking me for my W-2, but Frank say’s he is giving me another form b/c I am a PARTNER now and the return’s will be more complicated now. FOOEY! I hope this does NOT make dad make me get MARRIED any sooner then I have to, b/c all I see is LOOSER’s who want me to pay for them to eat and then have sex with them. DOUBEL FOOEY on that! Why should I take men out, pay for them, then reward them with sex? Has the world turned upside down now that I am over 30 and a PARTNER? Mason now think’s I am a COUGER! DOUBEL FOOEY on that! Beside’s, I am NOT interested in him. He is already having sex with Lynn. I wish the HIVE would have a solution for me so I can just get MARRIED already. I am so tired of putting up with these so-called men who think all day and nite through their winkie’s! TRIPEL FOOEY!

    4. Stay at the Andaz! Unless you prefer the B&B scene, of which there are several good ones in Savannah. But I prefer the Andaz.

      You should be fine without a car. The historic town is walkable. There are some nice day trips otherwise.

    5. It’s a great walking city and you do not need a car–cabs are also plentiful. Stayed at The Brice in July, it was super chic and a great experience.

  13. Is anyone else having major issues with this website automatically kicking you to the App Store for Uber? Super disruptive.

  14. Question in line with today´s motto:

    I am quite frugal – or rather, I hate shopping. I usually buy very few but well-selected classical & high-quality clothes & shoes that last forever and that I love & wear to death; even have altered over the years if needed. (I only recently threw out the sheath dress I wore for my high school graduation in 1994.)

    Any hints on how I can avoid looking dated/ frumpy without having to part with too many items (as I will hate the replacement process)? As my wardrobe is rather smallish and I wear most things on a regular basis, hangers facing inwards etc. is not really working.

    1. This describes me and I have the same concern. To add a question, how do you know when something’s frumpy or out of date when you aren’t really someone who shops a lot or follows trends?

    2. Why do you think you look frumpy? If you have classic, high-quality clothing and shoes and it fits you well, that sounds kind of nice. I wouldn’t worry about it being old, unless it looks obviously dated, isn’t in good repair, or if your body shape changed and it no longer hangs well. If you want more variety, maybe a few accessories or a new top or two every now and then would go a long way.

      1. Oh, it´s mainly the details. 1998 suit jackets were slightly longer than today, skirts were slightly shorter, pants were slightly higher up in the waist, sleeves were generally wider. And I can speak with some authority as I still have suits from back then ;-)

        1. If you don’t want to buy new stuff, can you have some of the old stuff altered? So, if the wide sleeves look off, have them taken in a bit? If you wear tops that don’t tuck in with the higher waisted pants, the high rise won’t be as obvious. It sounds like you’re probably fine.

        2. This is why I think you can’t fairly consider clothes “investment pieces” — these kinds of details change over the years, and it’s inevitable that your old clothes will look dated after a period of time.

          (I can’t help you with your shopping problem, though – sorry!!)

          1. This. Black blazers, for example, are classics and are always in style. Any given black blazer, however, is not always going to be in style. Lapels get wider or skinnier or disappear, shoulder pads come and go, lengths change, and so on.

            I think you can count on getting, say, five good years out of a piece looking reasonably current. Probably ten before it looks obviously dated. Maybe put yourself on a schedule and shop once every five years?

      2. +1. Think about what triggers you to think a look is frumpy on someone else — it’s because it doesn’t fit well, the fabric looks worn or cheap, the colors or style are very trendy but outdated, and often the person wearing the clothing also has hair/makeup that don’t look “done.” You could be wearing clothing from a decade ago, but if it fits you well, the fabric looks good, it’s a classic rather than trendy piece, and your hair/makeup look reasonably polished, then there’s no way you’ll look frumpy.

    3. A few trendy accessories to mix and match with your classic basics- patterned tights, scarves, and belts would be my suggestions.

    5. Keep your shoes updated–there are very few timeless shoe-styles, IMO. Perhaps invest in a yearly appointment with a style consultant, who will work through your closet and let you know where it needs some refreshing?

        1. Yes – do you have a very honest good friend? I rely on my sister for that kind of thing.

          Related, if you hate shopping so much – can you take it one or two items at a time, and take the items you decide you need to replace with you to a place with a personal shopper (like Nordstrom). So you could say “I need to replace this black blazer with a more updated one, but I want to make sure its going to last 5 years or more – no trendy of the moment details” and explain what you like about the current blazer (maybe its long enough for you, you like 2 or 3 button over 1) vs what you are concerned about (the lapels and sleeves make it dated).

          I have to say – sometimes I am thoroughly jealous of my husband because he has pulled the exact same 2 suits out of his closet for every wedding, funeral, conference or job interview he has attended for the last 10 years – and they are still just fine. Maybe not technically super “of the moment” trendy, but not especially dated or frumpy either. You definitely can’t do that with women’s clothing.

          1. Yes agree about being jealous of men. My son, who just graduated from college, had outgrown his suit (still getting taller at age 20) and needed one quickly for an event. We pulled out one of DH’s nordsrom-brand grey flannel suits from 1989 and it looked perfect on him.

          2. I don’t know. I have a few law professors who can tell haven’t bought a new suit since the mid to late 90s. It really does show in the legs and the lapels. Plus, pinstripes.

    6. Thanks for all your suggestions. I will try to find a shopping assistant I trust, take anything older than 10 years to her & ask her to hunt for a “classic” replacement. Based on the average age of my clothes and my pickiness, that should keep her busy for 3 – 6 months :-)

      1. I would also try to keep track of what you like about your pieces and how that aligns with current styles. For example, my mom needs and likes boxy tops. I’ve been working with her to stock up on tops (including t-shirts) because that’s more the style right now. For things that seem to come in and out of fashion every two to three years with minor changes, try to find the right cycle and get those types of items now.

  15. I’m about to start a new job and am negotiating hard for a significant salary increase. There’s also an opportunity for a different job that I’m not 100% certain that I’ll get, but almost certainly will, which will come around in the 7-12 month time frame. That’s a career changing opportunity, so if I get it, I need to take it. I can’t just not take this current job, because otherwise I’m just a student intern with very little means of supporting myself. I also feel like I do need to pursue the negotiating process to the end because even if unlikely, I may not get the other opportunity and may be stuck here for a while. I’m concerned about the ill effects of taking a job and leaving in less than a year, though, which is the most likely outcome here. How concerned should I be about this, and are there ways to make myself look less bad and burn fewer bridges? if it’s relevant, people tend to change positions/jobs frequently in my field, 2 years is about the norm.

    1. Don’t worry about leaving in less than a year. You’re just out of school and you’ll be in an entry level position. It’s expected that you won’t spend that long at an entry level position. From a hiring perspective, I view it as a positive if your resume shows that you moved around (and up) a lot at the beginning of your career. Shows you’re ambitious.

      1. Well, I’m more concerned that it’ll burn bridges with the managers in the job I’m about to start. They’re really pushing hard for me in the negotiation process (they don’t have authority over salary, HR does- and the salary they offered isn’t even remotely competitive, but it’s an organization that’s been having some major budgetary issues lately. They are actually authorized to pay me considerably more but aren’t doing it, and the hiring managers are fighting a fairly considerable bureaucratic battle on my behalf). I feel like I’m incurring some debt in this process, and just to leave in some months (especially if my quest for a salary increase is successful) may be problematic.

        Does that still fall within the “don’t worry” category?

        1. Take the job that is in front of you now and worry about 7-12 months from now in 7-12 months. Perhaps the next position won’t materialize, perhaps you’ll do such a good job that the new job will not be as promising or your existing employer will promote you to an even better job. I also agree that new workers just out of school get a pass and can move around more quickly but if you do move after just 7 months, give the employer lots of notice (3 weeks or more if possible) and then stay at the next new job for 2 years minimum. Good luck!

          1. This is great advice. I’m going to channel Sheryl Sandberg here and say “Don’t leave before you leave.” You don’t have the second job yet, so move forward in the one that’s offered to you.

        2. If the managers want someone of quality, they need to adjust HRs expectations on salary. You’re the example in this scenario, which is helpful for them in proving worth and how behind the org is, etc. It’s not solely to your benefit. Take the job and worry about the next job when you have a signed offer letter.

  16. Question, I am a 34 year old attorney who just went back to work after a few years at home with babies. Can I shop at express and limited? Or is there an unspoken age limit on those stores?

    1. No age limit, but I think you’ll have better luck with Limited than with Express. Limited has really stepped up their workwear game, while Express continues to attempt to be vaguely skank wear.

    2. Yes you can shop there. Just be mindful of fit. A lot of their pants are great basics paired w a nicer blouse and jewelry. Signed a 40 year old lawyer

    3. I don’t think Express and The Limited should be in the same boat. Truthfully, I hadn’t shopped at The Limited since high school in the 90’s, but their collaboration with “Scandal” for the Olivia Pope line they did recently got me back in the store. I was pleasantly surprised to see decent quality work wear for a business casual setting. Some of their sheath dresses are nice and the pants (lined ones) look good. The tops are cute for the office, too.

      Express always seems cheapy to me and the styles/cuts are very club-wear and skimpy/sexy. Not a fan.

    4. I think you can shop there; each store has pieces that can be worn in a professional setting. I would steer clear of anything that, when worn, looks like it might have come out of the juniors’ department, though (too fitted pants, see-through tops, etc.)

      1. Or too low cut pants. I always had trouble with low cut pants being work appropriate – but post baby, there is no way I can go near anything remotely low cut anymore without risking wardrobe malfunction or major muffin top. The trend of super-low cut seems to be generally over, but there are still some hanging out there.

        1. Yes, this! I tend to wear mostly skirts and dresses, but I will be glad when super-low cut pants go away completely.

    5. Yes you can shop there for individual pieces, but don’t adopt the looks on the mannequins.

    6. You can still shop at Limited for some things, but not so much Express. Be careful what you buy at either. I’m the same age as you and I used to be completely #limitedforlife, but that ended a couple years ago. Now, I rarely go in either. The quality seems to be declining (even on suits in my opinion).

      My go-to’s now are Ann Taylor (love it and you can always find a coupon), also LOFT, sometimes Banana, Nordstrom, and also all the discounters like Marshalls, TJMaxx, etc. I’m constantly finding really nice stuff there at bargain prices.

      Now that I’m off the Limited train, I’m not sure where to go for new suiting pieces. I’ve gotten a couple from Ann Taylor but they are not my favorites. I’ve been watching the recommendations from others on this blog and plan to check out their suggestions.

  17. Where you do you ladies buy your black denim that doesn’t fade? I have a pair from BR that are great except I’m not thrilled with the super-skinny style. I bought a pair from J.Crew that faded/streaked after the first wash, which apparently is normal (?). I want straight/skinny (but not leggings/skintight) and that actually stay black through washes. Is this a unicorn?

    2. Not sure about brands or if it’s a unicorn, but commiseration. I had a pair from Uniqlo that I loved that did the same thing. They are now sorta oddly streaky post-wash.

    3. Maybe do-it-youself black denim re-coloring that you can use in your washing machine might work if the original color was a dark black. Not sure what the brand is called in the US. In Germany, it´s Simplicol.

      FrugalMe from above speaking & I actually re-color all black clothes regularly to avoid buying new ones.

        1. I re-dye my black jeans in RIT cheapo dye that you can buy by the packets or bottles at fabric stores and Michaels. You have to be a little careful, but I do it in my home washer with good results.

        2. In the US it’s called “Rit” dye and I have re-dyed jeans and other black items. Small load in the washer, hottest water, let it sit for a while, cold water rinse. Yes, it does stain the washer but stain is removed by a large, hot cycle with Clorox bleach.

        3. After coloring, let the washer run on hot & empty. Just to be on the safe side, the next load is dark clothes. The rubber seal of my frontloader has become a little discolored, but that´s it.

        4. I dyed a mid-blue cotton denim skirt black once using RIT dye. No harm to the washing maching whatsoever. The denim came out great at first – not totally black but very dark. Unfortunately, over time the dye faded and it eventually ended up blue again.

      2. This is such a great idea! I’ve always wanted to do this with black tops that have faded but otherwise look great.

        Do you need to use the washer or can you soak them in a big sink

        1. Sink or bucket works as well, as long as you follow the instructions (right temperatur, stir every once in a while, wash out well etc). However, not all types of re-coloring work for all fabrics. You might need a special one for silk or wool. Plus, garnments that contain non-natural fibers are difficult to re-color. (On a side note, stitchings and seams are usually made of 100% non-natural fibers and thus often do not take on DIY-color.)

    4. 7 for all mankind- their black skinny jeans are amazing and haven’t faded even though I’ve had them for 2 year. I just wash them in cold water and hang to dry (though they’re fine in the dryer every so often, I just hang most of my stuff because it’s better for them)

    5. Note that Woolite has special Woolite darks washing detergent. My husband uses it with uniforms to prevent fading.

  18. Anybody have insight on the travel conditions on the Mass Pike today? Have to cross the entire state, so if anyone knows about any part of the state it would be very helpful.

    2. If you google “Boston traffic cameras,” you’ll get a site that will show up to date images from various points on the Pike, and you can see how well they’ve cleared certain areas.

    3. As of 1 p.m. today, the Boston-Waltham corridor was totally fine. Wet roads but not snowy. Don’t know about the rest of the state though.

  19. Can anyone recommend any good day trip tours that pick up in Playa del Carmen and go to Tulum? Would love one that includes a visit to a cenote if possible.

    2. Check out Tours by Flavio. I want to try them on my next trip to Cancun. Lots of good reviews on Trip Advisor.

    3. I’m not sure about tour operators going from Playa del Carmen. We went to Tulum a year ago and visited a cenote called Pet Cemetery, which everyone we talked to locally said was the best. It was gorgeous and not very crowded at all. Just throwing that out there if you get a chance to pick which cenote to visit.

  20. Unsolicited product review alert! If anyone is in the market for a lunch tote, I highly recommend BuiltNY. I realized as I walked into the office this morning that I’ve had mine for almost 5 years and it still looks as good as new. The neoprene helps keep my food insulated and when it gets dirty I turn it inside out and wash it on cold, then air dry. I have the older version of the spicy relish tote (shoulder strap!), but I imagine all of their neoprene products (lunch totes, laptop sleeves, wine totes, etc.) would be equally durable.

  21. Anyone affiliated with UMass Amherst? I planned a campus visit but it’s supposed to snow. Does the university tend to close for 3-5 inches of snow? I wouldn’t think so, but the staff was noncommittal when I called.

    1. I work for another university in Mass. The university will not close for that forecast…

      You should be fine…

      Oddly enough, when I was a kid, we lived on Campus View. The road was called that because it had a 180 degree view from the top of a hill looking over UMass Amherst. It was very rural.

  22. First context – I’m a midlevel (4/5 years) attorney at a large firm. I’ve technically been with the firm about a year and a half, though the past several months, I have been working in-house at a major client. I’m getting ready to go back to my firm in the near future, but have come up against an interesting opportunity. Through a curious turn of events, I found a posting on a recruiter’s website that seems to be for my dream job, and I’m feeling conflicted about whether or not to pursue it.
    Basically, the opportunity exists to go in-house at a company that is in an industry I’ve always been interested in working in, but have never really had the opportunity to pursue in the firms I’ve been at (before my current firm, I was with another one for 3 years). I currently have a general corporate practice, and while I find it interesting at times, I’m not passionate about the work I’ve been doing. Meanwhile, it seems like the company that’s hiring recognizes that there’s a fairly shallow bar in the practice area they’re seeking a lawyer in, and that they’re fully expecting to want/need to train someone up. Their general salary range is more or less at the level I’m earning at now. It’s a fairly small company, and I know from my current in-house experience that it can be challenging, and that in-house work comes with a certain amount of industry- and company-related uncertainty that is not as much an issue in a large firm setting, so I’m excited, but also a little nervous.
    The other main conundrum I’m fighting with a bit is feeling like I’ll be letting my current firm down or disappointing them in some way. While it’s probably true that the next few months would be as reasonable a time to leave as any (in that I’m not intricately involved in any practice areas or matters, having been away), there’s a part of me that feels like they’re going to feel like I gave them a raw deal if I leave. This firm helped me relocate to my current city from out-of-state, and paid for relocation, requalification expenses, etc. While the more rational part of my brain says that I’m an interchangeable cog of sorts, and people will most likely just be happy for me, and hope that I might refer work to them in the future, the emotional part of my brain hates the idea that I may be disappointing people, or making them feel let down. I really like the people at the firm, and have been hearing from people there that they’re really looking forward to me coming back. I’m also a pretty risk-averse person, and while I’m excited to try new things, it’s also scary.
    For what it’s worth, everyone I’ve spoken to in my close circle thinks that I should definitely explore the possibility and not feel bad about it, but would love to hear from the Hive. Any tales from people who have made practice-area shifts while going in house (successful, cautionary or otherwise) that you can share?

    1. Explore it and don’t feel bad about it. Your firm is a business and if they’re smart, they’re going to very happy that one of their associates is going in house. Would your firm hesitate to terminate you if the work dried up? You should feel the same way about your career.

    2. Explore without guilt. If you’re going to leave, exiting while you’re not staffed up on a bunch of other projects is less disruptive to the firm. You’ve earned the firm way more than a couple thousand dollars in relo/bar expenses, including during secondment.

      At some firms, being seconded is a kind of encouragement to either go full-time at the client or otherwise explore other opportunities, anyway. It can happen even to well regarded associates if there is a surplus of people in your class that aren’t leaving on their own in timely fashion. I have no way of knowing whether or not that’s the “code” at your firm or not, but if you have the impression that it might be, even more reason to pursue the new job!

      ETA – I read too fast and missed the part about people looking forward to your return. So, disregard 2nd paragraph if you are confident they are a representative sample. Believe me, they’ll get over it if you leave. Associates leave all the time. There might be a short term irritation (where will we reallocate her work??) but it’s a long term benefit to the firm to have alumni out at actual/potential clients.

      1. I had the same thought. And even if secondment isn’t intended as a “hey, think seriously about staying in-house….” message, it is very common for people to not come back after being seconded. So you might get a little surprise that you’re not staying with *that* company, it will be less disruptive since you aren’t fully staffed up and probably there is some level of expectation that you won’t come back anyway.

        Good luck!

    3. I think that it may sit badly with some folks that they relocated/requalified you and you were gone within two years. We wouldn’t love it. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t do it – your career is your career, and you need to make the decision that is right for you – but I think that the risk that you’re worried about does exist.

      (Also, you’ve checked to make sure that you won’t have an obligation to repay moving expenses, etc., correct? Most firms tie that to staying at the firm for a year, but make sure you check!)

  23. I was told by a colleague that I look/am seriously UNfriendly yesterday. It’s not the first time in my life, but definitely the first time in a professional context. She was definitely trying to be helpful, but it still hurt.

    I browsed the archives and found people mostly unapologetic about their b!tchface. I’m trying to assess if there is anything more I should be doing? More smiles in the hallway? More small talk?

    To be honest, I’m usually pretty stressed/busy at work, and I just don’t FEEL like making small talk (the comment came from a salesperson, who, by definition, uses small talk as part of her job function). Has anyone had success with “thinking happy thoughts” or purposely smiling and giving out random friendly comments (“Oh, I love your shirt” or…something???)

    1. It seems like the problem isn’t that you look unfriendly – it’s that you are busy/stressed at work and don’t engage with other people. I don’t think you need to fix your face (which I don’t believe in anyway) 0r be fake (which I also don’t believe in), but it might be a good idea to make a real attempt to create connections with people in the hallway, the elevator, etc. I try to always smile at people in the hallway, say hello when I can, ask about people’s weekends/kids/holidays/whatever. I compliment people when I can. I think of it as cultivating relationships and connection in the workplace, and it has always served me well.

      If you can, one thing that works for me is to get out of my office when I feel less stressed out and do a lap around the halls. I stop by people’s offices to say hello, run into people, and generally have a chance to be friendly. (Obvious disclaimers – KYO, YMMV, etc.) But it’s helpful to reach out to people when you have the bandwidth to do so. It also buys you a little forgiveness if you’re particularly tart when on deadline – people are more understanding if that’s a situational thing, rather than just how you always act.

    2. I have to force myself to make small talk because I’ve realized how important it is to other people.

      2. Actually, yes. My (male) boss addressed it with a male co-worker recently. Co-worker is busy, but his lack of engagement with others comes across as unapproachable and unfriendly.

    4. These are actually helpful comments. I think I haven’t always realized how important small talk is to people. I’m really introverted and insecure by nature, so my default is thinking no one wants to listen to what I have to say, so I don’t engage. Certainly I could *ask* people about small talk topics and let them open up, and I wouldn’t necessarily have to talk (other than trying to make sure my face doesn’t look b!tchy!!)

      And I do think part of this is gendered. I’m an engineer, and no one expects the male engineers to be talkative or fun or smiley. But since I’m young, cute, and female, I’m expected to be fun and talkative. I mean, there’s a reason I’m an engineer and not a salesperson!

      1. Another introverted female engineer with RBF… I do the same as others above and force myself to make small talk. It doesn’t come naturally to me but I recognize that other people appreciate it. What I do is ask coworkers about themselves/kids/pets/whatever. People love to talk about themselves and as a bonus you don’t have to do much of the talking and you’ll seem friendly and interested.

        Despite getting feedback on it at previous jobs, I’ve mostly given up on fighting the resting b*tchface, especially when I’m really focused on something. My coworkers know that I’m friendly even if I’m not smiling. The one time I do try to intentionally maintain a smile (or at least non-frown) is when I interact with customers, since I don’t see them every day and impressions are important.

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